Why are General Membership Meetings important?

Over the past several years Common Ground Food Coop has been emphasizing the concept of members as owners. As members we can be proud that we are owners of a business that represents values over profit. The coop is by and for you and me, as we are committed to exercising control over the quality of our lives - not only through our food choices, but also through the socio-economic paradigm of a cooperative.

We choose from within ourselves a subset of persons to serve as our representatives to make responsible decisions and policies that reflect what we want in our Coop. We own the Coop as a business collectively through our monetary equity and choice of representatives. We also own the Coop through our "sentimental equity" towards personal health, the local economy, social justice, concern for the earth, etc. The Coop gives us collective voice and power to make a difference in these matters.

General Membership Meetings (GMMs) are at the heart of bringing Members, Board, Staff, and Management together to consolidate all the aspects (sentimental and material equity) of running a coop from dreams to reality. As semi-annual events they are both social and business oriented to help connect the dots of a cooperative. General is an operative term; the state of the business is generalized so that the bigger pictures of operations, governance, direction and community can come into focus and perspective so you know its strengths and weaknesses. The GMM is an unparalleled opportunity to ask and hear questions and answers about important issues related to the success of the business as well as its cause.

Board meetings and operational management have grown more focused, organized, productive and fun. The board is trusting that these qualities will reflect in the GMM as well!

GMMs are also usually popular for the opportunities to eat someone else's preparation of great wholesome food (from the Coop, of course!). This time we will be emphasizing desserts. A potluck with desserts from some of the best cooks in the community...that means you too!

Please join us, at 6:30pm this Sunday, April 20th.

Thanks,
Richard Antisdel
CGFC Board Member